WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - The emergency room at White Plains Hospital has been busier than usual the last few days while people deal with the cold winter weather and all that comes with it.

The ER has seen an "uptick" in the numbers of patients it has treated since Sunday, said Erik A. Larsen, the director of the emergency department at White Plains Hospital.

He said the medical center has treated people for problems related to falls, including sprains and fractures. So far, there have been no cases of frostbite, he said.

White Plains Hospital experienced a roughly 50 percent spike in ER visits on Sunday that can be attributed to the yo-yo-like temperatures, hospital officials said. In one hour in particular, 41 patients were registered for treatment in the ER.

In adults ages 65 and older these types of injuries can be serious: One out of three adults’ falls each year and they are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control. There were 2.3 million nonfatal injuries in 2010 that resulted in more than 662,000 hospitalizations and cost $30 billion in treatment. Common injuries include fractures of the hip, spine, arm, leg, ankle and hand while more serious spills can even cause traumatic brain injuries.
The forecast calls for another bitterly cold day on Wednesday, followed by more sun and a high between 30 and 32 degrees Thursday.